Miguel Almiron picked up where he left off at Newcastle after the mid-season break.
Miguel Almiron tore Leicester apart to pick up where he left off mid-season, continuing the impressive early-season form he showed in a Newcastle shirt before the six-week break. The Paraguay international has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, scoring eight goals in 15 top-flight appearances for Eddie Howe’s high-flying Magpies before visiting the King Power Stadium.
And he appears to have kept his edge as Newcastle dream of qualifying for the Champions League for their first full season under their billionaire Saudi-backed owners.
Howe’s side took a one-goal lead at Leicester on Boxing Day after just minutes when Chris Wood converted a penalty.
READ ALSO : Kane starts Tottenham’s comeback in Brentford tie
Then Almiron would have his say, full-back Luke Thomas on the right wing before playing a bounce pass with Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian slipped it through, but no Leicester defender followed the Newcastle forward, who controlled and finished beautifully.
Almiron’s pace and desire saw him go through five Leicester defenders – which is likely to have angered Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers.
The former Atlanta United star is now playing the best football of his career and will be key to Newcastle’s chances in the second half of the season.
The 28-year-old appears to have been inspired by Jack Grealish’s taunt, which took place on Instagram Live during Manchester City’s Premier League title celebrations last season.
Grealish claimed Riyad Mahrez “played like Almiron” in the 3-2 win over Aston Villa on the final day.
Almiron has since said he was unaware of Grealish’s comments and also revealed he will not hold a grudge against the England international.
He told The Mail: “I saw the interview and heard him talking positively about me.
“I’ve never had anything against Jack and I’ve always said I think he’s a great player and a good guy.
“It was never a problem for me. It was a good interview and the fact that he spoke the way he did, it confirms the type of person he is.”
Following his ninth goal at Leicester, only Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Ivan Toney have scored more than the winger this season.
Almiron was named Premier League Plaaaaaaaaaayer of the Month for November, while boss Howe won the Manager of the Month award.
Back in January 2019, Newcastle paid £21 million to sign the skilful forward.
Now he is finally showing why the Magpies paid an MLS record transfer fee to sign the player who is tearing the Premier League apart right now.